Neuroimaging insights into the link between depression and Insomnia: A systematic review

S. Bagherzadeh-Azbari, Habibolah Khazaie, Mojtaba Zarei, Kai Spiegelhalder, Martin Walter, Jeanne Leerssen, Eus J.W. Van Someren, Amir A. Sepehry, Masoud Tahmasian*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Background: Insomnia is a common symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and genome-wide association studies pointed to their strong genetic association. Although the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in MDD is noticeable and evidence supports their strong bidirectional association, the number of available neuroimaging findings on patients of MDD with insomnia symptoms is limited. However, such neuroimaging studies could verily improve our understanding of their shared pathophysiology and advance corresponding theories. 

Methods: Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guideline, we have conducted a literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases and systematically explored 640 studies using various neuroimaging modalities in MDD patients with different degrees of insomnia symptoms. 

Results: Despite inconsistencies, current findings from eight studies suggested structural and functional disturbances in several brain regions including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex and insula. The aberrant functional connectivity within and between the main hubs of the salience and default mode networks could potentially yield new insights into the link between MDD and insomnia, which needs further assessment. 

Limitations: The number of studies reviewed herein is limited. The applied methods for assessing structural and functional neural mechanisms of insomnia and depression were variable. 

Conclusion: Neuroimaging methods demonstrated the overlapping underlying neural mechanisms between MDD and insomnia. Future studies may facilitate better understanding of their pathophysiology to allow development of specific treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)133-143
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Affective Disorders
Volume258
Early online date31 Jul 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2019

Funding

This work was supported by the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences and Shahid Beheshti University. JL and EVS supported by European Research Council grant no. ERC-ADG-2014-671084 INSOMNIA.

FundersFunder number
Horizon 2020 Framework Programme671084
European Research CouncilERC-ADG-2014-671084
Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

    Keywords

    • fMRI
    • Insomnia
    • Major depressive disorder
    • PET
    • SPECT
    • Spectroscopy

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